Marine Le Pen and her protégé, Jordan Bardella, faced a setback in the French parliamentary election, with their National Rally party projected to secure 120 to 150 MPs. This outcome positions them behind Macron's coalition and the left-wing alliance, signaling a potential period of instability and internal party conflicts.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term, committing to combat inequality and improve living conditions as the ANC enters a power-sharing agreement following election losses. The ANC, now cooperating with five other parties including the Democratic Alliance, faces challenges in addressing voter discontent over essential services and socioeconomic issues.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, BJP is retaining most stronghold seats but is trailing in 15 of the 94 it won previously. As of 11:45 am, BJP leads in 79 seats while Trailing in 15, spanning across 14 states, mainly Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Gujarat. Key trailing seats include Maharashtra's Jalna and Rajasthan's Churu.
A New York jury convicted Donald Trump on 34 counts of falsifying business records linked to a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels. This historic verdict marks Trump as the first former US president convicted of crimes. The trial showcased a broader scheme aiming to influence the 2016 election, creating significant legal and political hurdles for Trump's 2024 presidential bid.
President Bola Tinubu has reintroduced Nigeria's original national anthem, 'Nigeria We Hail Thee,' after signing the National Anthem Bill into law. This historic move marks a significant moment as the country returns to its roots 46 years after the anthem was changed by the military in 1978. Lawmakers and citizens are now encouraged to adopt the original anthem in national events.
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa accuses the government of sabotaging the home affairs system, which has been down in some areas, potentially hindering voter participation in the 2024 elections. He suggests this may be an attempt by certain parties to reduce voter turnout. President Ramaphosa's spokesperson acknowledged the issue and confirmed the restoration of services.
In a historic move, the Kano State House of Assembly has reinstated Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano, following the removal of Emir Bayero and the abolition of four newly established emirates. This decision underscores significant political shifts and aims to centralize power within the traditional Kano Emirate Council once again.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia have met to further discuss regional security and boost economic cooperation, focusing on enhancing their bilateral relations. They exchanged views on various regional and international issues, emphasizing the Palestinian cause, Libya's situation, and anti-terrorism measures.
Prince Msizolli Ngonyama, uncle of Zulu King Misuzulu Zulu, has taken legal action to halt state funding for the king's activities, alleging irregularities in the king's appointment and mismanagement of the royal household. This motion adds fuel to an ongoing succession dispute following the death of King Goodwill Zwelithini.
Fikile Mbalula, South Africa's Transport Minister and ANC's head of elections, admitted that the ANC's parliamentary lists were altered. He denied personal involvement after an integrity committee's investigation. This raises issues of transparency and accountability in the political party.